Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Bernese Mountain Dogs
My husband Dave has always been the backbone in the background of Haystack Acres, working hard to keep things, well…working! Not only did he help me build everything from the ground up, he maintains all of it! Good thing he is retired from his real job as a Geologist! He now spends every day working on our properties, raising Limousine beef cattle and putting up 90 acres of hay every year, along with the mile high long “honey do” list I beg of him for my doggies wellbeing!
Our son Taylor has always followed in Dave’s footsteps, right down to his degree in Geology from CU, like his father. He has shared the love of ranch living and especially the joy of running large, really large equipment! Over time he decided our equipment wasn’t big enough, and now he flies Blackhawk helicopters for the US Army! He has always shared the family love of animals and while he is in the military, my Corgi “Nugget” is keeping him company. She insists on helping with the pre-wash before running the dish washer!
Our daughter Kinsey has been involved in my horse and dog career since she was a small child. She started going to horse shows with me at age 3 and hasn’t stopped, now age 30! She has learned from early on that the responsibilities involved in livestock are a 24/7, no vacation commitment, and she still loves it! Kinsey, now (also a CU graduate), grown and married, continues with her husband Sam to be involved with both the horses and dogs. She has a wonderful talent for livestock photography and is launching a new career in that direction! Many of her photos are on our website. Check out her instagram @haystackphotography. We are and always have been a wonderful mother/daughter team and each day I count my blessings to have this bond between us!
My sister Karen and her husband Lafe have been involved in my business almost since it started in 1993. Lafe, an incredibly talented carpenter, is the interior builder and finisher for most of my barns, including all my dog suites. Karen has joined the breeding and training aspect of my dog business and in fact owns and houses several of our dogs listed on the website. Karen is a retired school teacher of 30+ years and enjoys transferring her experience in education with children to tail wagging puppies. People always warn “don’t do business with family”, Karen, Lafe and I are over 30 years in, and still best friends!
Alicia introduced herself to me at a dog show in Longmont years ago. We immediately connected and she asked if she could “volunteer” to walk dogs and work for me. It only took me a few months to realize I had to hire her to come on as a main player of our team. Now, years later, she is the rock star behind the scenes, and the dogs simply adore her!
